A lot of locks in France are done automatically without lockkeepers, instead using a boater operated remote control.

First as you get nearer the lock you have to spot the 'target' on the bank, often cunningly hidden, to point the remote at. Then, if you're lucky, the lockgates will swing open in front of you and in you go. Next you have to grab the blue rod on the lockside and hoick it skywards. If you're lucky, the paddles will open, the water level change and the gates open to let you out again. If you're lucky.